Tips on how to have a Fido-friendly 4th of July

According to AKC Reunite, the American Kennel Club’s pet ID and recovery service, the 4th of July is among the most active times of year for pet recovery. The sound of fireworks commonly causes dogs to panic and run away. To help dog owners keep their four-legged friends safe while having a fun Independence Day, the AKC offers the following tips.

— It is safer to keep your dog at home during 4th of July celebrations instead of bringing him to your friend’s party. Keep him in the house, rather than in your yard. He will be a lot happier indoors, and not tempted to leap over a fence to find you.

— Fireworks may be pretty, but they are very loud and the noise can scare your dog. Once the displays get started, keep your dog in a room where he is comfortable. Block outside sights and sounds by lowering the blinds and turning on the television.

— Avoid scraps from the grill. While tempting to our pets, any sudden change to your dog’s diet can cause stomach upset. In addition, certain foods like onions, avocado, grapes and raisins can be toxic.

— Identification is extremely important in case your dog gets loose. Make sure to keep collar ID tag contact information up-to-date, have permanent ID with a microchip should his collar fall off and always alert your pet recovery service to any changes in contact information so they can find you when your dog is recovered.